After about two years of planning, designing, fundraising and renovating a local hospital has taken a step forward in serving both its patients and care providers.
Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital showed off a $3.6 million expansion to its cardiology, orthopedic and bariatric units on Thursday. The expansion features 3,760 square feet of renovated area, including new state-of-the-art heart testing machines, an expanded cardio rehab room, upgraded waiting rooms, an education room for patients and staff, upgraded staff offices and much more.
About $1.2 million went toward a new heart center, which Spectrum Health Lakeland Director of Cardiovascular Services Dr. Dennis Disch said gives heart patients a state-of-the-art space they deserve.
“[The heart center] has given us the ability to move heart services from outside the hospital to inside the walls of the hospital,” said Disch, who also is the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the Niles hospital.
As the Chief Medical Officer, Disch said his priority is to meet the needs of the community.
“I think we are now at a point where we can meet the needs of the community in terms of cardiovascular services,” he said. “We really have a space that is not only comfortable and state-of the art for our patients, but it’s a place where really top-talented providers want to work.”
So far, patients are reporting a positive experience.
“We’ve heard a lot of incredibly positive feedback about the new spaces,” said Chief Nursing Officer Dawnell Schmeling. “How large they are, the usability of the bathrooms, and the view.”
The cardiovascular unit, as well as the $2.4 million orthopedic and bariatric unit opened Tuesday. Watch below as Disch and other hospital leaders give an exclusive tour of the facilities:
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
